Evangelical ministry leaders with a focus on “advancing Christ-centred youth ministry in Europe together” gathered in Durrës (Albania) for three days to listen to each other and analyse the spiritual reality among younger generations.

The open conversation happened on 2-4 March and sought to both “encourage and care for leaders who have persevered in youth ministry” and “listen to the young generation”.

The meeting included topical discussions, short presentations and engagement around tables. The hope was to “listen, reflect and, where possible, collaborate”.

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Times of prayer with a willingness to “raise our expectancy for what God can do” in European countries was also central.

Dan Randall, from the UK, and a member of the organising team, told Evangelical Focus he was encouraged by “fresh unity, ⁠listening together to younger people and a passion to reach young people in a complex Europe”.

Unity in cultural diversity for mission among young people

According to a document outlining its strategy, the movement is aware of the cultural differences from country to country and seeks common work based on the passion about “young people finding Jesus and their integration into local churches”.

The groups aims to see a multiplication of ‘next gen leaders’, on local and national levels. They want to support the forming of national Christian youth networks in countries where there is no cross-denominational work yet.

The group also plans “encouragement tours”: groups of leaders going to particular regions of Europe to listen and train people serving in the area.

The European Youth Ministry Network is affiliated with the European Evangelical Alliance and serves as an informal and relational network.